Historic war photos uncovered near 70th anniversary of WWII end

Photos from Hearst's own wire service, some not seen since wartime

By DANIEL DEMAY AND JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF

Updated 10:02 pm, Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Will European war start here? Vienna—With reports flying wildly about the Austrian capital to the effect that large forces of German troops are moving towards the Austrian border, this remote little spot becomes of paramount importance to the whole world. It is the Austro-German border at the nearest point to Vienna. The Austrian custom house is at left, the German at right, with swastika flags flying therefrom. Photo dated March 11, 1936. less

Original caption reads: Will European war start here? Vienna—With reports flying wildly about the Austrian capital to the effect that large forces of German troops are moving towards the Austrian border, this ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Berlin, Germany: Prince August Wilhelm, son of the former Kaiser, gives the fascist salute as he reviews National Socialist drill units and students in a huge demonstration against the Versailles Peace Treaty on the anniversary of the signing of the pact. Photo was taken in 1932. less

Original caption reads: Berlin, Germany: Prince August Wilhelm, son of the former Kaiser, gives the fascist salute as he reviews National Socialist drill units and students in a huge demonstration against the ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: "At Olympic Games in 1935, the crowd gives the Nazi salute as the American flag is carried at head of U.S. Olympic team past the reviewing stand of the host, Reichleader Hitler, who is pictured in the semi-silhouette at the right." The caption was in error; the winter Olympics were in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in Bavaria, Germany in 1936. Photo dated May 2, 1945, probably a republication date. less

Original caption reads: "At Olympic Games in 1935, the crowd gives the Nazi salute as the American flag is carried at head of U.S. Olympic team past the reviewing stand of the host, Reichleader Hitler, who is ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Germany lost little time following its annexation of Austria to Nazify the land. Here is a typical Vienna street scene with a notice pasted on the shop window to the effect that it has been taken over by the Works Association of the Trade Association of the National Socialist German Workers Party. At the bottom of the poster are the words "Jews are not wanted." This picture was made despite Nazi censorship and was smuggled out of the country. Photo dated March 29, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Germany lost little time following its annexation of Austria to Nazify the land. Here is a typical Vienna street scene with a notice pasted on the shop window to the ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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The information taped to the back of the previous photo is shown, the last line reading that the picture was made despite Nazi censorship, and was smuggled out of the country.

The information taped to the back of the previous photo is shown, the last line reading that the picture was made despite Nazi censorship, and was smuggled out of the country.

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Signs of the times in Vienna. Vienna, Austria—Swastikas were everywhere when Vienna turned out to pay homage to Adolf Hitler, the native son who returned a conqueror. Here you see a cheering crowd on the roof of a store by the line of march as the German Fuehrer made his triumphal entry into the Austrian capital. Photo dated March 21, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Signs of the times in Vienna. Vienna, Austria—Swastikas were everywhere when Vienna turned out to pay homage to Adolf Hitler, the native son who returned a conqueror. Here you see a ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: First photos of Natzi civil war in Austria. Carinthia, Austria — Guerilla warfare continued in Austria for a week or more, following the recent abortive Natzi push in Vienna and in Carinthia close to the Yugo-Slavian border, where ther federal forces cornered the Natzi fighters in mountain villages. The fighting was prolonged because of the proximity of the border, and the precautions taken by the loyal troops to avert the unfriendly act of firing on Yugo-Slavian territory. In this picture, government soldiers have taken their posts along a railroad track near Ruden to snipe a Natzi position close by. Photo dated Aug. 9, 1934. less

Original caption reads: First photos of Natzi civil war in Austria. Carinthia, Austria — Guerilla warfare continued in Austria for a week or more, following the recent abortive Natzi push in Vienna and in ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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The information taped to the back of a photo is shown, noting that these may be the "first photos of the Natzi civil war in Austria." Photo dated August 9, 1934.

The information taped to the back of a photo is shown, noting that these may be the "first photos of the Natzi civil war in Austria." Photo dated August 9, 1934.

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler may be seen (center background) as he took the salute from his marching troops in the big review that took place in Vienna on the day after Hitler had formally announced Austria as a proving of the German Reich and had proclaimed himself Fuehrer of Austria as well as Germany. Photo dated April 21, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler may be seen (center background) as he took the salute from his marching troops in the big review that took place in Vienna on the day after ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: This rare photo of Adolf Hitler and Julis Streicher, taken in 1925 when they joined forces to build the Nazi party on a foundation of anti-semitism, was found among the personal files of Striecher at his estate near Nuremberg. Streicher is credited with having been the prime instigator of the racial persecution which marked the rise of Nazism in Germany. less

Original caption reads: This rare photo of Adolf Hitler and Julis Streicher, taken in 1925 when they joined forces to build the Nazi party on a foundation of anti-semitism, was found among the personal files of ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Hitler smiles after Japan joins Axis partners. Berlin, Germany—No doubt very much pleased by the signing of the economic, political and military pact that links Japan with Germany and Italy, Adolf Hitler, center, smiles as he walks with Saburo Kurusu, left, Japan's ambassador to Germany, and Count Galeazzo Ciano, right, Italian foreign minister, after they had affixed their signatures to the pact. Photo dated Oct. 10, 1940. less

Original caption reads: Hitler smiles after Japan joins Axis partners. Berlin, Germany—No doubt very much pleased by the signing of the economic, political and military pact that links Japan with Germany and ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: President Hitler and Premier Mussolini, rulers of Germany and Italy, as they met recently in Venice for a conference on political affairs of Europe, focused specially on Austria. Photo dated June 30, 1934. less

Original caption reads: President Hitler and Premier Mussolini, rulers of Germany and Italy, as they met recently in Venice for a conference on political affairs of Europe, focused specially on Austria. Photo ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Officers of the former Austrian Army pictured in a supply base, being fitted with the German military caps to match those of the fatherland. It is one phase of the intense Nazification of annexed Austria. Photo dated March 29, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Officers of the former Austrian Army pictured in a supply base, being fitted with the German military caps to match those of the fatherland. It is one phase of the ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna—The Austrian Fascisti group, said to be staunch supporters of the Hitlerite party of Bavaria, accorded their leader, Adolf Hitler, an impressive welcome on his visit to Salzburg. The Hitler emblem — the swastika — was much in evidence during the ceremony, as was the old German goose-step. Austrian troops are shown above goose-stepping their way across the courtyard of the Vienna Hofburg, carrying aloft the Hitler swastika. Photo dated Oct. 18, 1923. less

Original caption reads: Vienna—The Austrian Fascisti group, said to be staunch supporters of the Hitlerite party of Bavaria, accorded their leader, Adolf Hitler, an impressive welcome on his visit to ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Yokohama, Japan—Part of the Japanese navy which took part in a review by Emperor Hirohito off Yokohama recently. Some of the two hundred planes that roared overhead during the review can be seen in this picture. November 5, 1940. less

Original caption reads: Yokohama, Japan—Part of the Japanese navy which took part in a review by Emperor Hirohito off Yokohama recently. Some of the two hundred planes that roared overhead during the review ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: A grim game—If Japan gets another attack of "growing pains" in about ten years from now, these children will be about ready to carry the flag of the rising sun to whatever territory the war lords happen to select as their prize of conquest. These little fellows, wearing cardboard shrapnel helmets and handling toy guns, are learning fast. December 12, 1937. less

Original caption reads: A grim game—If Japan gets another attack of "growing pains" in about ten years from now, these children will be about ready to carry the flag of the rising sun to whatever territory ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Before a rose "attacked" Der Fuehrer. Eger, Czechoslavakia—Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler of Germany is greeted by young (girls) as he entered Eger, at the start of his tour of the territory acquired by Germany under the terms of the Munich four-power agreement. The youngsters offer him flowers, but this was before a Sudeten German tossed a bouquet of roses at Der Fuehrer and scratched his face slightly. Orders were issued immediately to military and Nazi party leaders to make sure that no more attempts were made to say it with flowers. Photo dated Oct. 12, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Before a rose "attacked" Der Fuehrer. Eger, Czechoslavakia—Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler of Germany is greeted by young (girls) as he entered Eger, at the start of his tour of the ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Although the Nazi purge of Jews in Austria has been no secret, the strict censorship clamped down on the country when it became a part of Germany has up until now prevented any photographs as illustrative of this from slipping out of the country and showing people in other nations just how a "purge" works. In this striking photograph, we see Jews, most of them elderly, on bended knees scrubbing one of the main streets of Vienna, while swastika-studded Nazis look on and derive a great deal of enjoyment from the humbling of their former neighbors. This amazing picture was smuggled out of Vienna at great risk by a refugee, himself a victim of this great persecution. Photo dated Aug. 11, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Although the Nazi purge of Jews in Austria has been no secret, the strict censorship clamped down on the country when it became a part of Germany has up until now ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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The caption affixed to the back of a photograph says that the image at the time was a rare look at "just how a 'purge' works." The caption says "this amazing picture was smuggled out of Vienna at great risk by a refugee, himself a victim of this great persecution." less

The caption affixed to the back of a photograph says that the image at the time was a rare look at "just how a 'purge' works." The caption says "this amazing picture was smuggled out of Vienna at great risk by ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: First group picture of Germany's "most powerful five." Berlin—This exclusive photograph shows realmleader Hitler's historic meeting with the most powerful men in Germany, the representatives of all the armed forces. Left to right, Col., Gen. Von Blomberg, federal minister of war and chief commander of all armed forces; Hermann Goering, general of aviation and commander of the air forces; Baron Von Fritsch, general of artillery and commander of the army; Admiral Raeder, chief of the German Navy; and Hitler. Photo dated Jan. 29, 1936. less

Original caption reads: First group picture of Germany's "most powerful five." Berlin—This exclusive photograph shows realmleader Hitler's historic meeting with the most powerful men in Germany, the ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Conqueror's goose-step—Arrogance written (caption torn)...staff of military men, complete master. Der Fuehrer was over his demeanor. Adolf Hitler, who left Austria (torn)... is pictured on his way to address the gigantic meeting in the painter, returns to its capital at the head of ... of Heroes where he announced seizure. Photo dated March 25, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Conqueror's goose-step—Arrogance written (caption torn)...staff of military men, complete master. Der Fuehrer was over his demeanor. Adolf Hitler, who left Austria (torn)... is ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Berlin, Germany—Der Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, standing in first car, salutes the troops of his mighty war machine who marched in gigantic military parade on his fiftieth birthday. Photo dated April 27, 1939. less

Original caption reads: Berlin, Germany—Der Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, standing in first car, salutes the troops of his mighty war machine who marched in gigantic military parade on his fiftieth birthday. Photo ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Marshal Antonescu (at salute) leaving with Hitler after one of the Rumanians visits with the German Fuehrer. Photo dated Sept. 16, 1943.

Original caption reads: Marshal Antonescu (at salute) leaving with Hitler after one of the Rumanians visits with the German Fuehrer. Photo dated Sept. 16, 1943.

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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The information taped to the back of a photo is shown, noting that the photo is one of a series sent to editors on instructions from William Randolph Hearst.

The information taped to the back of a photo is shown, noting that the photo is one of a series sent to editors on instructions from William Randolph Hearst.

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: This rare photo, found in Julius Streicher's private archives near Nuremberg, shows Hitler and Streicher at a Nuremberg rally in 1923. Note the spike-helmeted veterans of World War I already joining Hitler to produce World War II. less

Original caption reads: This rare photo, found in Julius Streicher's private archives near Nuremberg, shows Hitler and Streicher at a Nuremberg rally in 1923. Note the spike-helmeted veterans of World War I ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—The name of the Austrian capital, once synonymous with gaiety, today is synonymous with fear. No one can make a guess as to what is going to happen next. As a result, scenes like this are the rule in the proud city on the blue Danube as Nazis and anti-Nazis maintain a tense attitude of watchful waiting. Minor clashes have flared already and further bloodshed is feared as a result of the Hitler coup which Nazified the Austrian government. Photo dated Feb. 27, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—The name of the Austrian capital, once synonymous with gaiety, today is synonymous with fear. No one can make a guess as to what is going to happen next. As a result, ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Once the high-geared propaganda machine of Nazi Germany swung into action in annexed Austria, its Jewish and Catholic problem drew abreast of that in Germany. Here is a Viennese optician's shop bearing the word "JUDE" in red paint with a swastika below it. Photo dated March 29, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—Once the high-geared propaganda machine of Nazi Germany swung into action in annexed Austria, its Jewish and Catholic problem drew abreast of that in Germany. Here is a ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna again under gun rule. Vienna, Austria. Although not a shot was fired when Germany took undisputed possession of Austria yesterday, scenes like this are the rule in the capital of that country today as motorized units of the German Army patrol the streets. A squadron of German bombing planes landed at the Aspern Airport in Vienna early this morning after dropping propaganda leaflets in the capital. Photo dated March 12, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Vienna again under gun rule. Vienna, Austria. Although not a shot was fired when Germany took undisputed possession of Austria yesterday, scenes like this are the rule in the capital of ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—A strange scene for the formerly gay capital of Austria, posters carrying the profile of German Chancellor Adolf Hitler, as the Nazi organization swung into full stride in preparation for the two-nation plebiscite to be held April 10. Fuehrer asks the nations whether or not they approve of the Austrian annexation. Wonder what thoughts chase themselves through the winds of this elderly trio? Photo dated March 29, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—A strange scene for the formerly gay capital of Austria, posters carrying the profile of German Chancellor Adolf Hitler, as the Nazi organization swung into full stride ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: This photo shows Chancellor Adolph Hitler and his chief aide, Herrmann Goering leading a great demonstration on thru the streets of Munich. He addressed the city's chief center "Odeosplatz." November 11, 1933. less

Original caption reads: This photo shows Chancellor Adolph Hitler and his chief aide, Herrmann Goering leading a great demonstration on thru the streets of Munich. He addressed the city's chief center ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: The plotters: This photograph from the personal album of Joachin Von Ribbentrop, former Nazi foreign minister who was hanged at Nuremberg, show Von Ribbentrop with Japanese Ambassador Kurusu, center, and Adolph Hitler, right, in conference on February 3, 1941. less

Original caption reads: The plotters: This photograph from the personal album of Joachin Von Ribbentrop, former Nazi foreign minister who was hanged at Nuremberg, show Von Ribbentrop with Japanese Ambassador ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Osaka... Japan's grand fleet, more than 100 vessels strong, under the command of Admiral Nobumasa Suyetsugu entered Osaka Bay and cast anchor off Osaka. These vessels, the veritable stone wall of the island empire's first line of defense, have just terminated three months maneuvers that carried them almost everywhere in the western Pacific and amid all sorts of weather. A big parade of main force of 8,000 bluejackets of Japanese combined fleet which is now in Osaka port, was held at Osaka parade ground under supervision of H.I.H Prince Fushimi. November 7, 1934. less

Original caption reads: Osaka... Japan's grand fleet, more than 100 vessels strong, under the command of Admiral Nobumasa Suyetsugu entered Osaka Bay and cast anchor off Osaka. These vessels, the veritable ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: A sham battle that came to life —During maneuvers here recently these Japanese army regulars crossed bayonets with Japanese marines in a theoretical street battle. Such a scene may have occurred with deathly seriousness in Tokio, following the military coup in which a regular army division staged a bloody march into the city. They were oppose by the marines and members of the imperial guard. November 1945. less

Original caption reads: A sham battle that came to life —During maneuvers here recently these Japanese army regulars crossed bayonets with Japanese marines in a theoretical street battle. Such a scene may ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: This rare photo, found in Julius Streicher's private archives near Nuernberg, shows Hitler and Streicher together in 1925 when they were laying the foundations for placing Germany — and the rest of the world — under the Nazi yoke. less

Original caption reads: This rare photo, found in Julius Streicher's private archives near Nuernberg, shows Hitler and Streicher together in 1925 when they were laying the foundations for placing Germany — ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Hitler reviews storm troopers on fifth year of rule. Berlin, Germany—Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler, standing in the car at the left, is pictured reviewing a regiment of his storm troopers as they march by as the climax of a celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Nazi attainment to power. Twenty-five thousand storm troopers marched through the Wilhelmstrasse. Photo dated Feb. 7, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Hitler reviews storm troopers on fifth year of rule. Berlin, Germany—Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler, standing in the car at the left, is pictured reviewing a regiment of his storm troopers ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Food for Viennese — from German troops. Vienna, Austria—Poor tenants from the Heiligenstaedter Hof wait in line for food served them from a German Army field kitchen following the occupation of the country by Adolf Hitler's forces. The Heiligenstaedter Hof is the former Karl Marx Hof, which was fired upon by forces of the Dollfuss government during the 1934 push against socialists. Photo dated March 29, 1938. less

Original caption reads: Food for Viennese — from German troops. Vienna, Austria—Poor tenants from the Heiligenstaedter Hof wait in line for food served them from a German Army field kitchen following the ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: May be symbolic of cooperative implications far beyond mere casualness. Latest headlines state that Japan considers the landing of Australian troops in Singapore as a "belligerent action" thereby bringing into possibility the engagement of British troops in both hemispheres at once. Standing beside Hitler is Yamashita of Japan. February 19, 1941. less

Original caption reads: May be symbolic of cooperative implications far beyond mere casualness. Latest headlines state that Japan considers the landing of Australian troops in Singapore as a "belligerent ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: In his brain is locked the secret that the world wants to know—does he intend peace or war. Der Fuehrer is expected to answer that question tonight at the close of the congress when he states his views on the Czech situation. September 12, 1938. less

Original caption reads: In his brain is locked the secret that the world wants to know—does he intend peace or war. Der Fuehrer is expected to answer that question tonight at the close of the congress when he ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Building for aggression was Hitler in 1935. Here, Herr Hermann Goering, air minister of Germany, is explaining to Hitler one of the Richthofen squadron's maneuvers. The squadron was supposedly a sportsmen's organization, but in reality was a cog in Germany's growing military might and Hitler's plans for overpowering air aggression. April 7, 1935. less

Original caption reads: Building for aggression was Hitler in 1935. Here, Herr Hermann Goering, air minister of Germany, is explaining to Hitler one of the Richthofen squadron's maneuvers. The squadron was ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: ARMS INSPECTION—It is the French officer's turn to inspect arms in the daily lineup. He is accompanied by an American sergeant. In their "off guard" moments, the soldiers fraternize in the "ready room" of patrol headquarters, and for the most part, they get along very well with few disagreements. Photo by Robert Halmi, dated Dec. 23, 1949. less

Original caption reads: ARMS INSPECTION—It is the French officer's turn to inspect arms in the daily lineup. He is accompanied by an American sergeant. In their "off guard" moments, the soldiers fraternize in ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: LINEUP—The daily lineup of members of the patrol takes place in front of the American Military Police Headquarters building. Each month an officer of one of the four powers inspects the patrol. Photo by Robert Halmi, dated Dec. 23, 1949. less

Original caption reads: LINEUP—The daily lineup of members of the patrol takes place in front of the American Military Police Headquarters building. Each month an officer of one of the four powers inspects ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Are Adolf and Eva buried here? Berlin, Germany—Two Russian soldiers point to the crude mound of earth found in the rubble strewn patch behind the chancellery building in Berlin which, rumor has is, is the burial place of Adolf Hitler and his sweetheart, Eva Braun. Latest report from the German capital, however, is that SS troops came upon two bodies and burned them after soaking them in gasoline. Photo dated July 10, 1945. less

Original caption reads: Are Adolf and Eva buried here? Berlin, Germany—Two Russian soldiers point to the crude mound of earth found in the rubble strewn patch behind the chancellery building in Berlin which, ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—With Russian policy in Iran, Manchuria and parts of Europe becoming irksome to England and the U.S., these scenes in the Russian zone of Vienna which just arrived in this country, take on added importance and interest. Huge banners with likenesses of the late Nikolay (Vladimir) Lenin, father of Russian Communism, and of Josef Stalin, head of the Russian government, are posted on many of the official Soviet buildings. Everywhere, one sees Russians in the streets, both soldiers and civilians. They are waiting for cars, patrolling various sections of the city, overseeing everything. Vienna itself, because of the influx of refugees from other countries, is greatly overpopulated and suffering from the resultant shortages in food, housing, clothing and fuel. Strangely, peas for some reason are plentiful, and the people are wholeheartedly sick of them. Some families spend entire days in beds trying to sleep away their hunger. Once known as "gay Vienna," the war-ravaged Austrian capital, now torn between ideologies and a fight for survival, is anything but gay. Photo dated March 5, 1946. Clarification: The original caption refers to Lenin as Nikolay, but his first name was Vladimir. The Communist leader was known to use Nikolay, his father's name, sometimes. It's unclear why the caption would have used it. less

Original caption reads: Vienna, Austria—With Russian policy in Iran, Manchuria and parts of Europe becoming irksome to England and the U.S., these scenes in the Russian zone of Vienna which just arrived in ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: PROTOCOL—The "International" involves almost as much protocol as a big four meeting of foreign ministers. The flags on the hoods of the patrol cars are arranged in the agreed order — American, British, Russian and French. The American soldier always drives the car with the British soldier beside him. The Russian and the French share the back seat. Officers of each power take turns in reviewing the soldiers in the daily lineup. Photo by Robert Halmi, dated Dec. 23, 1949. less

Original caption reads: PROTOCOL—The "International" involves almost as much protocol as a big four meeting of foreign ministers. The flags on the hoods of the patrol cars are arranged in the agreed order — ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Japan occupation. G.I.s on job—American military police arrive to rescue two American soldiers trapped by a Jap crowd during a Communist rally near the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. One of the attacking Jap Communists is felled by the reinforcing military police. June 2, 1950. less

Original caption reads: Japan occupation. G.I.s on job—American military police arrive to rescue two American soldiers trapped by a Jap crowd during a Communist rally near the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. One of ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Reinforcements quell riot—During a communist rally near the Imperial Palace in Tokyo violence broke out, trapping two American soldiers, until reinforcements arrived. One of the soldiers, Sgt. Peter W. Koehn, was hit on the head with a stone. June 2, 1950. less

Original caption reads: Reinforcements quell riot—During a communist rally near the Imperial Palace in Tokyo violence broke out, trapping two American soldiers, until reinforcements arrived. One of the ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Tokyo, Japan—Jeering mobs of May Day marchers clashed with steel-helmeted police in downtown Tokyo on May 1, ending a relatively quiet celebration of the traditional communist holiday. Here marchers are pictured carrying placards reading "U.S. Go Home." Hundreds of such banners with slogans in Japanese and English were carried in the parade. May 4, 1953. less

Original caption reads: Tokyo, Japan—Jeering mobs of May Day marchers clashed with steel-helmeted police in downtown Tokyo on May 1, ending a relatively quiet celebration of the traditional communist holiday. ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: War orphans in Tokyo had a big day recently when they were handed passes to Koraku-En baseball park. You know the result. Hundreds of them swarmed over the field collecting autographs. In this photograph you see the Japanese version. They autograph fans instead of scorecards. The player holding one of the fans (they say he looks like Joe DiMaggio) is one of the most popular in the league. Next to him is the "Babe Ruth" of Japan. May 11, 1949. less

Original caption reads: War orphans in Tokyo had a big day recently when they were handed passes to Koraku-En baseball park. You know the result. Hundreds of them swarmed over the field collecting autographs. ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Original caption reads: Uraga, Japan—These Japanese got accustomed to a high standard of living in the United States. They are now learning what life in Japan is like. They were repatriated from the U.S., either at their own request or because of disloyalty to the U.S., and are now quartered at Camp Kamoi, Uraga. Most are loud in their complaints. Most oft-heard gripe is that the food is "not fit for a hog." Many confess openly that they wish they were back in America. July 15, 1946. less

Original caption reads: Uraga, Japan—These Japanese got accustomed to a high standard of living in the United States. They are now learning what life in Japan is like. They were repatriated from the U.S., ... more

Photo: INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS

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Historic war photos uncovered near 70th anniversary of WWII end

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On the eve of the 70th anniversary of Japan's official surrender to the Allies that ended World War II, seattlepi.com has unearthed a collection of photos from Hearst's own wire service that likely haven't been seen since they were first published.

Photos from Germany, Austria and other European nations during and before the war, as well as from occupied Japan, and much more were pulled from cardboard boxes that had been in storage.

One photo is of Adolf Hitler as a young man, before his rise to power. Another shows a mock battle by Japanese soldiers in Tokyo, not long before the end of the war.

Another photo shows a Nazi sign; the typed caption says the photo was taken despite Nazi censorship and then smuggled out of the country, likely at great risk to both the photographer and whoever was involved in transporting it.

Hearst's International News Service began operation in 1909, attempting to compete with the Associated Press and United Press International. For several years, the wire service produced the Hearst Metrotone News, which released newsreels that were shown in theaters at least until the late 1920s.

It added a news photo service soon after -- International News Photos -- and that is the source of our recently uncovered images.

The photos had been most recently stored at Seattle's Museum of History and Industry but spent many years in the basement of the old P-I building on Elliott Avenue West.

Though the pictures carry captions, often typed on a small pieces of paper and then taped to the backs of the images, many have no byline to credit the photographers who shot them.

Another unique feature of some photos is the inclusion of instructions directly from William Randolph Hearst, attached with credit notes and cutlines.

Some of the photos weren't necessarily shot by INP photographers, but were taken from private collections uncovered during military operations in Europe and elsewhere.

The collection we've assembled here is hardly exhaustive, but showcases many exclusive INP images long unseen. Some images may have been reused since they were first published.

Photos range from the early 1920s to the early 1950s and show many facets of a war that spanned the globe and directly affected millions.

Please note: We have included the original captions to preserve the historic value of these images. But these captions, written at the time the photos were first published, may include terms or references that we would not use today.

Daniel DeMay covers Seattle culture, business and transportation and can be reached at 206-448-8362 or danieldemay@seattlepi.com. Follow him on Twitter: @Daniel_DeMay.